MY CHARITY WORK

Several years ago I was invited to be a member of a working party to establish if there was a need for a women’s refuge. This research followed the closure a few years previously of a shelter for women including homeless families all sharing the same property and subsequently shutting down. Many agencies and professionals backed up with statistics clearly showed a desperate need for women suffering domestic abuse to have a safe haven. Fortunately the Government agreed that a property be let to the newly formulated charity, Guernsey Women’s Refuge Ltd, who would pay a peppercorn rent and operate as an independent confidential service to the women in our community. I accepted an invite to become a Director on the Board and a few years later the appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The charity raised funds to carpet and furnish the whole building, no mean task but plenty hard work by all those involved. Since the Refuge has opened its doors on 1st October 1998 over 1,000 women have sought their assistance, some with children.

In 2005 all of those involved with the Refuge were absolutely delighted and honoured to be the first women’s refuge ever to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.This prestigious award is a very high accolade for all who have been involved with the Refuge both past and present who give of their time unstintingly. A stunning piece of Crystal and a personally signed certificate from Her Majesty the Queen are now on display in the Refuge.

During 2006 an outreach service was launched where friendly qualified staff will meet with women away from the Refuge to support them, including accompanying to court, advocates and other agencies if required. A hard working fund-raising committee put on events during the year to raise funds towards the running costs of the Refuge. Our staff and volunteers are a credit to our service along with all those involved and committed to Guernsey Women’s Refuge.